CONN BROWN HARBOR

Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass has lots of shoreline space for anglers.(Photo: DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES)

Tips: A public boat ramp and pier managed by the Conn Brown Harbor Master sits at the entrance. The pier is storm damaged, but the horseshoe-shaped harbor itself has plenty of waterfront access and parking. And the harbor's deep water is fringed with grass and a concrete bulkhead, where families can picnic or sit in lawn chairs while fishing. Hint: bring crab nets and chicken necks.

SAN PATRICIO NAVIGATION DISTRICT FISHING PIER

Tips: This short pier extends into a canal leading to Redfish Bay. A covered pavilion with picnic tables provides nearby shade. Plenty of parking.

Amenities: Restrooms are within easy walking distance. Playground equipment. A fish-cleaning station and bait shop are at nearby Hampton's Landing Marina and Mickey's Bar & Grill. RV park. The pier lights should be working soon.

Cost: No fee.

ARANSAS CAUSEWAY

Where: Between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas, along Texas Highway 361

Tips: Miles of accessible waterfront lie along this highway, which parallels two channels. The Shrimp Boat Channel (aka Aransas Channel) is north of the east-west road and the Sailboat Channel runs along the south side. Numerous pull-off entrances allow vehicles to access the shore.This area is inundated during a very high tide and may become muddy after rainfall. Camping, bank-fishing, and kayak-launching are allowed along both channels.

Fish species: Trout, redfish, drum, flounder, sand trout.

Cost: No fee.

LIGHTHOUSE LAKES PADDLING TRAILS PARK

Where: Texas Highway 361 near the ferry landing in Port Aransas.

Tips: Just north of the ferry landing on Highway 361, you'll see a wooden boardwalk and paddling trails sign beside a parking lot on the east side of the road. This is a popular kayak launch spot, but also provides bank fishing along a channel that parallels the highway.

COS WAY FISHING PIER BAIT & TACKLE

Where: On the JFK Causeway; 11645 South Padre Island Drive.

Tips:This traditional night-fishing pier extends along the west side of the Humble Channel of the Upper Laguna Madre. The store carries bait, tackle, snacks, soft drinks, beer and much more. It's an angler favorite for oversized black drum in winter. Speckled trout also are caught under the lights at night. Ask about the big drum tournament. Hint: bring crab nets and chicken necks.

Cos Way Marina, Bait, Tackle and Pier is a popular spot for fishing day and night along the JFK Causeway.(Photo: DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES)

PACKERY JETTY

Where: North jetty is on Mustang Island; south jetty is on padre island.

Tips: The north and south jetties at Packery Channel are both paved with concrete like a sidewalk, with hand rails. The north rocks are accessible via Zahn Road off of Texas Highway 361. Access the southern rocks by going east on Whitecap Boulevard from Park Road 22, turning left on Windward Drive until you reach the beach at St.Bartholomew Avenue.

Packery Channel has a north and a south line of rocks, capped with a flat, sidewalk-smooth walking surface.(Photo: DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES)

PORT ARANSAS SOUTH JETTY

Where: 1000 Lantana Drive

Tips: Free parking along the rocks. Bring lots of tackle and bait. To keep from getting snagged on rocks, try a float or lemon rig to suspend baits in the water column. Rocks are uneven past a certain point. Wear closed-toe shoes on the rocks. In winter, some of the rocks are covered in slick algae. Some winter anglers wear metal cleats to improve footing. Bring a long-handled net.

The Port Aransas South Jetty is a drive-up fishing spot that requires no parking sticker.(Photo: DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES)

Fish species: Trout, redfish, pompano, black drum, Spanish mackerel, sharks, jack crevalle, tarpon and sheepshead are common on either side of the rocks, depending on the weather, water conditions and time of year. Something is always in season. Summer and spring is best.